Scipione Caffarelli-Borghese

Scipione Caffarelli-Borghese (1 September 1577–1633) was born in Artena. When his maternal uncle became Pope Paul V in 1605, Scipione was made a cardinal, granted the Borghese name, and as Cardinal Nephew ran the Vatican government and the family finances.

He amassed vast estates around Rome, his income reaching a hundred and forty thousand scudi by 1612. His use of papal funds for family investments caused resentment, and he often compelled owners to sell property at steep discounts.

A discerning patron, he championed Caravaggio and the young Bernini and built the Villa Borghese to hold his collection. He died in Rome on 2 October 1633.